And in this moment, the respect I have for him couldn’t be greater.
“There’s something else you should know.”
“Go on,” he sighs, like he’s already processing exactly what his self-sacrifice will cost him.
“If Hallie chooses to come back to New York with me, I want to ask her to marry me. I want her to be my wife. And I’m asking for your permission to give her that choice too.”
Garth looks at me until the back of my neck heats. But I never break his gaze, and when he finally blinks, I know that he understands.
I will do absolutely anything to ensure her happiness.
He nods at the half empty bottle. “We’re going to need another. I’ve got a long list of things my daughter deserves. And you’re going to sit and listen to every single one.”
I hold his eyes. “Damn right I will.”
30
HALLIDAY
“Aren’tyou going to tell me what you two talked about?”
“No.” Sterling purses his lips as I lean over from my seat on the jet and place my palm over his chest.
“You can’t spend all evening with my father, who is not a talkative man, by the way, and expect me not to want to know what you both talked about.”
“I don’t expect that. I knew you’d want to know. But I’m still not telling you.”
He lifts my hand to his mouth and kisses my fingertips, his brow furrowing as he reads the document he’s opened on his laptop.
“I know you’re only pretending to work so you don’t have to endure my questions.”
His eyes crinkle at the corners and he closes his laptop, placing it on the floor.
“There. You have my full, undivided attention. But I’m still not telling you.”
“I’ll find a way,” I purr, trailing my fingers up his chest.
He chuckles as he pulls me to him for a kiss. “I’ll enjoy you trying, Baby girl.”
I huff as our lips break apart.
“What’s that look for?” He traces a thumb over my frown.
“I feel guilty about Lavinia. She has strong feelings for you, and I feel like we’ve been lying to her.”
“We didn’t know what was going to happen. We haven’t lied to anyone. And now your parents know, we can be honest about it. If you’re ready?”
“I am. I’ve been drafting a statement to send out to my clients. I want them to hear it from me.”
Unease bubbles in my stomach, making it cramp like it has been doing every time I’ve thought about what might happen when Sterling and I go public.
“Everything I’ve been afraid of might actually happen,” I breathe. “But at least I don’t need to be scared anymore.”
Sterling’s gaze softens. “It’ll be okay, Hallie. We’ll deal with it together.”
“Will you read it and give me your opinion?”
“Of course. Show me.”
